The NADO Research Foundation (http://www NULL.nado NULL.org) and the National Association of Counties (http://www NULL.naco NULL.org) hosted the Strengthening Economies in the West Forum (http://diversifyeconomies NULL.org/2017/04/strengthening-economies-in-the-west-a-regional-forum-for-coal-reliant-communities/)on April 19-21 at The Curtis Hotel in Denver, Colorado, with the support of the US Economic Development Administration – Denver Regional Office (https://www NULL.eda NULL.gov/contact/). This free forum was designed for counties and regions in Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming that are experiencing challenges from the contracting coal industry and are seeking creative approaches to economic diversification.

This convening brought together stakeholders from a variety of public and private sectors for an educational and interactive gathering to share best practices, lessons learned, and new opportunities to support economic diversification in coal country through a mix of plenary sessions and smaller group discussions. Topics included broadband infrastructure, entrepreneurship, local foods, arts/creative placemaking, and tourism. This forum also included plenty of networking opportunities between community peers, federal and state officials, and other practitioners promoting innovative rural economic and community development strategies.

Click here (http://diversifyeconomies NULL.org/2017/04/strengthening-economies-in-the-west-a-regional-forum-for-coal-reliant-communities/)to access resources from the forum for your reference or to learn more information about the event and content from our presenters.

This forum served as a kickoff event for a three year partnership with EDA-Denver Regional Office, in which NADO RF and NACo will continue to provide technical assistance and support to coal-reliant communities across Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming.